West Indies Taking Huge Lead

A ruthless West Indies, rode on Darren Bravo’s sparkling maiden century, completed the groundwork of throwing a big target for Bangladesh on third day of the second Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday. Bravo remained undefeated on exact 100 as West Indies ended the day with 207 for three, stretching their lead to 331. The man from Trinidad was aided by first innings centurion Kirk Edwards who missed his back to back century after getting out on 86. But the duo put up 151 runs for the third wicket stand which virtually ruled out Bangladesh’s any hope to bounce back.
Bravo who completed his century in the last ball of the day was also assisted by shoddy fielding display of Bangladesh. Shakib Al Hasan was the bowler in both times when Mushfiqur Rahim missed the chance behind the wicket and Imrul Kayes at slip.
He did not look back then but understandably were slower when the prospect of century loomed. Otherwise he was fluent and set the tune having counterattacked the bowlers from the words go after his side was reeling on 33 for two.
Kirk Edwards played a perfect foil to him to leave Bangladeshi bowlers at bay. Edwards was determined to stick to the wicket when Bravo was on song.
There was reasonably turn and bite in the pitch which Devendra Bishoo extracted in the morning to polish off Bangladesh tail. Much to the worry for the batters there was rough patches on either side of the crease. But surprisingly the home side which was blessed with packed left arm bowlers could not capitalise on it. Credit should go for Edwards and Bravo who showed their solidity and calmness that reversed the pressure on the hosts. As fielders missed some catches, the bowlers gradually became frustrated. Both batsmen utilised it shrewdly and grinded down Bangladesh to march towards throwing a big total.
In the process both went towards the century confidently. However Suhrawardi Shuvo brought up some smile in Bangladeshi players’ face just nine overs before the stumps when he delivered a straighter to scatter Edwards wicket on 86. Edwards clobbered seven fours and a six during his patient 204 balls knock.
Bravo then resisted further wicket fall and completed his century off 165 balls hitting seven fours and two sixes.
Shakib Al Hasan and Suhrawardi Shuvo claimed one wicket apiece.
Earlier resuming the day with 204 for seven, Bangladesh batters were crumbled by Bishoo’s vicious leg spin and could be able to add just 27 runs to their overnight total to be wrapped up for 231. Bishoo snared three wickets while Edwards could not add any wicket to his overnight five-wicket haul.

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